Screen printing, also sometimes referred to as silkscreening or serigraphy, refers to a printing technique which uses a stencil over a porous material to create an image. Typically, screen printing is done in a single color, although multiple colors can be added by employing more than one layer (and stencil) during the screen printing process. Screen printing has increased in popularity over the last decade as technologies have improved. Screen printing can now easily be accomodated at home for individual projects, as well as through screen printing services for producing larger quantities. The most common uses for screen printing include t-shirts, hats, ceramics (such as mugs), paper and even metal and wood.

If you are planning to use screen printing your decision about what method of screen printing to use will mainly be determined by the quantity of finished product you are looking to create. If you are planning to make individual screen prints for fun or as artwork, these can easily be accomodated by screen printing printers and software for your home. In many cases, screen printing can make a fun project for kids to participate in, especially if they are printing their own creations.

If you are interested in producing more than a handful or screen printed items, using a print service that specializes in screen printing will be required. Screen printing services are typically able to work with you to set up your design, as well as select the item to be printed on (t-shirts, baseball caps, etc.). If you are setting up a screen printing project in this fashion, you will likely want to get several quotes since prices can vary greatly. Also, it is generally recommended that you request the screen printer to create a sample item if possible so you can verify that the design and colors are correct. You surely don't want to have them make a full run only to find out the item is being printed incorrectly.